Orlando VA Dietetic Internship Program

The Orlando VA Healthcare System (OVAHCS) Dietetic Internship (DI) Program is a full-time program with 32 hours of supervised practice plus 8 hours dedicated to learning activities scheduled per week. The 41 week program starts in August and finishes at the end of May. Typically, interns are scheduled Monday through Friday but may be asked to work an occasional weekend. In addition to supervised practice hours, dietetic interns have assignments or readings to supplement the hands-on learning experience. 

The OVAHCS DI program is not a distance program and thus all practice will take place on-site or local affiliated sites. This applies even if the preceptor is supervising the intern remotely for telehealth purposes. However, the dietetic intern director will be present on-site to provide guidance, and will be available to answer any questions or respond to any requests. All interns have access to computer equipment while at work, including dual monitors and a desktop video camera for telehealth services to Veterans. Computer access includes a variety of software and computer programs including Microsoft Office. Tele-supervision is typically completed through Microsoft Teams, which the trainees have access to. Much of our work is accomplished using an electronic medical record (EMR). The training program receives excellent support from the Office of Information and Technology in the form of EMR training and 24/7 support, both on-site and remotely though a national service desk. The EMR is available on any computer in the facility. Trainees also have access to the facility’s Medical Library collection, which consists of hundreds of journals (print and electronic), subscriptions, and thousands of books and audiovisual titles. Books and audiovisuals are available for checkout by all staff, including trainees.  There is also access to many of the leading medical, nursing, and psychiatric databases.

Graduates are issued a verification statement after successfully completing the supervised practice hours and completing a research or quality improvement project. No award for prior supervised practice hours is available.  This program is not affiliated with any universities and requires a master's degree upon admission. Dietetic interns are eligible to take the Registered Examination for Dietitians upon completion of the OVAHCS Dietetic Internship Program.

VA has a website combining all VA internship sites. https://www.dieteticinternship.va.gov/ 

Our specific program information will be added to that site.

The Orlando VA Healthcare System Dietetic Internship Program has been granted Candidacy for Accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).

For more information about the ACEND accreditation standards visit: ACEND Accreditation Standards For Nutrition and Dietetics Internship Programs (DI) (Adopted September 1, 2021; Effective June 1, 2022)

Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995

www.eatrightpro.org/acend  

• Completion of a minimum of a graduate degree by a university accredited by the United States Department of Education.
• Completion of an ACEND accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) and receive a verification statement. The DPD provides all the prerequisite and core dietetic courses needed for preparation for the supervised practice portion of the RDN. 
• Completion of an ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship (DI). The supervised practice experiences portion is completed during the dietetic internship. A DI program provides diverse experiences in clinical, administrative, or community settings. These experiences provide hands-on work experience, teamwork, post-internship work opportunities, and more.
• After successful completion of a Dietetic Internship, you must then take and pass the national Registration Examination for the RDN credential, which is administered by the Commission on Dietetics Registration (CDR).
• Licensure is required in the state of Florida to practice. 

Important: “While state interpretations of statutes may vary, it is ACEND's considered opinion that the program meets the educational requirements for dietetics licensure and certification in all states. However, completing an ACEND accredited academic program alone does not qualify an individual for licensure or certification as a dietitian in any state. Individuals should review their state's licensing statutes and regulations to understand the specific requirements, including supervised practice and examinations, needed to obtain a dietetics license. More information about state licensure and certification can be found at this link: https://www.cdrnet.org/LicensureMap 

*To explore other options to become an RDN, please visit the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). https://www.cdrnet.org/RDNeligibility 
 

Orlando VA Healthcare System Mission Statement:
We, the Orlando Department of Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being. 

Orlando VA Healthcare System Vision Statement:
We are committed to be a patient-centered integrated health care organization for Veterans providing excellent health care, research, and education; and organization where people choose to work; and active community partner; and a back-up for National emergencies.

Orlando VA Healthcare System Nutrition and Food Services Department Mission Statement:
Our Team mission is to bestow high quality evidenced based nutritional care, that is both inclusive and personalized, to meet the needs of our Nation's Veterans and their families.

Orlando VA Healthcare System Dietetic Internship Program Mission and Program Goals:
The mission of the Orlando VA Healthcare System Dietetic Internship program is to provide evidence-based nutrition practice, interdisciplinary team experiences, and broad exposure to specialty and advanced-level practice to prepare graduates to become entry-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionists, who deliver competent, inclusive, and personalized nutritional care to our Veterans and the general public.

Goal 1: Prepare competent and highly training graduates who are able to practice the nutrition care process in a variety of settings.

Objectives

• Program Completion: At least 80% of interns complete program requirements within 15.38 (150% of planned program length).
• Graduate Performance: At least 80% of interns indicate on the annual program evaluation that the rotations promote growth and competence.

Goal 2:  Graduates of the dietetic internship will seek to serve the healthcare needs of Veterans, local communities and/or the Nation.

Objectives

• Graduate Employment: Of the graduates who seek employment, at least 80% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
• Employer Satisfaction: At least 80% of employers who respond to the employer survey will rate Orlando VA graduates as prepared for entry-level practice as Nutrition and Dietetics professionals.
• Leadership Involvement: At least 50% of graduates will indicate they actively participate in their local, state, and/or national professional association 12 months after completing the dietetic internship.

Program outcome data are available upon request. 

• The OVAHCS DI Program was approved for 4 stipend positions for the fall 2025 intern class by the VA Office of Academic Affiliation (OAA). The amount provided is approximately $15.00 per hour for the entirety of the 41 week internship program. Please note stipends are subject to federal taxes.  The exact total stipend disbursement may vary slightly due to exact hours worked. Dietetic interns will receive the VA stipend only during their approved weeks of supervised training and for hours worked.
• Paid vacation days and federal holidays are included in the supervised practice portion of the DI.
• All expenses directly related to the program's experiences, rotation and assignments will be covered by the sponsoring organization. The program will not be covering costs or requirements of application fees, housing, meals, physical examination, immunization, personal transportation, books, professional association dues or meeting attendance, registration exam, or supplemental resources.

• The Orlando VA Healthcare System does not currently offer scholarships or financial assistance to dietetic interns. Please see the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics webpage eatright.org for a list of scholarships provided by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. In addition to the Academy scholarships, the Florida Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (FAND) may also offer scholarships for dietetic interns. Please see their website for more information: https://eatrightflorida.org/fand-scholarships/

• No student loans or financial aid are offered through the VA given the OVAHCS DI Program is a stand-alone internship and is not affiliated with a university. However, interns may be eligible for a loan forbearance. Contact your loan provider for more information. The Internship Director is available to complete forms for all dietetic interns.

• Application fees: Not covered by the sponsoring facility. Intern will need to cover all associated application fees associated with the Dietetic Inclusive Central Application Service  (DICAS).
• Immunization and physical exam fees: Not covered by the sponsoring facility.
• Background check and fingerprinting: Covered and completed by the sponsoring facility. An additional expense may occur if affiliate site requires a separate background check or fingerprinting (WIC program). 
• Basic Life Support Certification: Training and certification covered by the sponsoring facility.
• Uniform: Interns are responsible for the cost of the uniform if desired. 
• Lab coat: Covered by the sponsoring facility.
• Facility badge: Covered by the sponsoring facility; intern responsible for cost of replacement if lost or stolen.
• Housing: Not covered by the sponsoring facility. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is ~$1300/month and ~ $1800 for a 2-bedroom apartment. Rental prices are subject to change. We can help to connect with other interns to share rental expenses.
• Utilities (electricity/gas/water/internet/cell phone): not covered by the sponsor facility. Estimated at $150-$200/month.
• At-home access to a computer with audio-visual capabilities and internet is strongly recommended but not required. Costs vary by type and service provider.
• Parking and Transportation: Parking at Orlando VA Healthcare System is free. (Dietetic interns are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from the OVAHCS and to affiliated institutions. Interns are expected to have a valid driver's license and current automobile insurance.
• Meals: Not covered by the sponsoring facility. Estimated to ~$200/month.)
• Resource materials and supplies (for patient and/or NFS benefits): Covered by the sponsoring facility.
• Professional membership in AND: Not covered by the sponsoring facility. $58
• Health insurance: Varies. Dietetic interns are eligible for health insurance benefits at the VA however would be deducted from stipend paycheck.
• Car insurance: Not covered by the internship program, varies.
• Professional liability insurance: Covered by the sponsoring facility.
• Professional meetings: Not covered by the sponsoring facility. $65-150
• Registration examination: Not covered by the sponsoring facility. $225.

Applying to the Orlando VA Healthcare System Dietetic Internship Program through DICAS includes the following materials:

• Complete the online centralized internship application through DICAS (Dietetic Internship Centralized Application Services): https://dicas.liaisoncas.com/

• On the DICAS application, the applicant should specify the type of program applying:

  DI/Only Track: This option is designed for students who have completed a DPD program or are in the process of finishing it before the DIP and for students 1) with a master's degree or are in the process of finishing it before the DIP, or 2) are enrolled in a master's degree program and have completed most of the graduate degree courses before starting the DIP in August. They need to provide evidence of completion or status of the master's degree through an official transcript.

• Resume or CV
• Official transcript(s) from all universities and colleges attended should be sent to the below address. Note:  this may take time and each applicant should allow plenty of time for transcripts to be received.  Address: DICAS-Transcript Dept, PO Box 9118, Watertown, MA 02472
• Declaration of Intent to Complete a Degree and Didactic Program in Dietetics or Verification Statement of Program Completion.
• Three letters of recommendation uploaded to the DICAS website. References should include academic faculty,  a work a supervisor reference and/or volunteer services.  When completing the application, applicants must include their name and contact information (specifically an e-mail address) for three references.  This will trigger an e-mail message requesting the completion of a reference form.  The form will be completed online by your reference. Letters must have been written within the past 3 months. DO NOT send more than three letters.
• DD214 form if you are a Veteran
• Letter of Application. Applicants will be asked to complete a personal statement in 1,000 words or less. This can count for your DICAS personal statement. Questions to be addressed in the personal statement include:
  • What sparked your interest in the nutrition and dietetics field? 
  • Why are you interested in the Orlando VA Dietetic Internship program? 
  • List 3 goals you'd like to accomplish if you were accepted into this program
  • Please identify and elaborate on your personal experiences, strengths, and values that would help you excel in the program.  
• Candidates for admission will be scheduled for an interview with our selection committee via virtual interview (to be scheduled following review of complete application).

*A Selection Committee consisted of the dietetic internship director and staff dietitians who serve as preceptors, will review the application package.  Candidates will be scored based on work experiences, volunteer experiences, letters of recommendation, academic achievements, and the personalized statement/letter of application. The best qualified-applicants will be contacted and virtual interviewed using the Performance-Based Interviewing method. No in-person/telephone interviews are conducted. It is highly recommended that applicants selected for an interview review the following website to learn about the Performance-Based Interview process and how to prepare for the interview. When reviewing these materials, focus on Level 1 and 2 examples. Applicant packets are retained for one year and thereafter shredded.  No materials are returned or copied. 
  
The Orlando VA Healthcare System Dietetic Internship is operated in a federal facility that is compliant with all federal laws and regulations guided by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission regarding diversity, equity and inclusion. Recruitment and admission policies of the internship program will comply with these laws and regulations and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, gender, national origin, disability, or age. 

Link to information on performance-based interviewing: https://www.va.gov/pbi/ 

• By March 1st, the DIP Director or their designee will email the notification letter. Make sure to add multiple email addresses to your DICAS application.
•  This letter will indicate whether you have been accepted, waitlisted, or rejected. If you're on the waitlist, you'll receive a decision letter by March 16th.
• You have until March 15th to accept or reject the offer. Although you can send your decision as soon as you receive an offer, the deadline to submit your answer is March 15th.
• Applicants should contact Giselle M. Diaz Luquis, Dietetic Internship Program Director, by email (Giselle.Diaz-Luquis@va.gov) to accept or reject the offer.
• Please be mindful that once an applicant agrees to join our program, they are expected to uphold ethical and professional conduct. Kindly refer to the ACEND’s Dietetics Applicant and Program Code of Conduct and Traffic Rules: Dietetics Applicant and Program Code of Conduct and Traffic Rules
• Please note that the program reserves the right not to hold the spot for any applicant who does not accept the appointment by the required date and time.
• Males must have registered for Selective Service or be exempt from admission into the program. Males will be required to verify status through Selective Service Online Registration Search.
• An orientation meeting will be done during April to discuss all things related to the onboarding process.

Clinical Rotations (23 weeks)

• Acute Care Medicine, Surgery, and Critical Care (7 weeks)
• Nutrition Support (2 weeks)
• Mental Health (1 week)
• Outpatient Primary Care (3 weeks)
• Oncology (2 weeks) 
• Community Living Center (2 weeks)
• Home Based Primary Care (1 week) 
• Whole Health/Integrated Wellness Clinic (1 week) 
• Cardiology (1 week) 
• Bariatric/MOVE (1 week) 
• Diabetes (1 week)
• Dialysis (1 week)

Food Service and Administrative (6 weeks)

• Health Technicians and Quality Monitoring (1 week)
• Food Service Administration and Purchasing (2 weeks) 
• Menu Planning (1 week) 
• Leadership and Clinical Management (2 weeks) 

Community Rotations (3 weeks)

• Performance Nutrition (1 week)
• Women, Infants and Children Nutrition (1 week) 
• Community Nutrition (1 week) 

Other:

• Orientation (2 weeks) 
• Vacation (Christmas break) (1 week) 
• Staff Relief (4 weeks) 
• Elective (2 weeks)

In addition to the assignments and daily work from the rotations, there are several projects that must be completed.

Projects and other learning activities:

• Research Study
• In-depth Clinical Case Study
• Clinical Seminars
• Healthy Teaching Kitchen Cooking demonstration
• National Nutrition Month 

Requirements for Program Completion:

• Complete the scheduled weeks and supervised practice hours.
• Complete all supervised practice rotations.
• Minimum passing grade of 80% is required for the following; 
  • Performance rotations evaluations
  • Projects, tests, case studies and assignments
  • Staff relief experience

This program learning experience qualifies the individual as an entry-level dietitian.

Upon successful completion of the internship, the Dietetic Internship Director will provide to the dietetic intern with a copy of the Verification Statement. Graduates are eligible to take the registration examination for dietitians.  Completing an accredited dietetic internship at VA Medical Center, the dietetic interns are eligible for a dietitian position grade GS-9 within the VA System.